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This project sought to describe the population structure and connectivity of four species of tuna (albacore, bigeye, skipjack and yellowfin), three tuna-like species (kawakawa, longtailtuna and narrow-barred Spanish mackerel), three billfish species (striped marlin, swordfish, Indo-Pacific sailfish) and one species of shark (blue shark) within the Indian Ocean. The results of the project were expected to improve assessments of the status of these species, leading to more informed decisions related to their conservation and management.
The project made a substantial contribution to the knowledge of the population structure of 11 important species related to tuna fishing in the Indian Ocean, and insights new insights to species found in the IOTC area of competence.
The project harnessed the skills and expertise of a wide range of researchers and fisheries scientists, as well as the wider fishing community, and a range of high-quality technical outputs were produced which will improve future assessments and advice to fisheries managers.
Collaboration with regional partners in Australia (CSIRO), Indonesia (CFR and CSIRO), Maldives (MRC and CSIRO), Reunion (IRD) and the Seychelles (IRD, SFA and AZTI) played a major part in the success of the project and enhanced capacity for future sampling, monitoring and analysis.